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Cervicogenic Headaches

Headaches Stemming from Spinal Pain

When a headache is caused by a problem in the neck or cervical spine area, it is known as a cervicogenic headache. This type of headache can be a debilitating medical condition that seriously impacts your quality of life.

Cervicogenic headaches are a type of secondary headache that arise due to problems with the bones, nerves, or soft tissues of the neck (cervical region). These headaches can be caused by trauma to the head and neck or osteoarthritis of the cervical spine joints.

The treatment for this type of headache differs greatly from the treatment for migraine and tension-type headaches, making accurate diagnosis essential for achieving pain relief.

If you suspect your neck may be the source of your headaches, National Spine & Pain Centers’ Doctors have the expertise to diagnose your condition and offer proper treatment, returning you to an active lifestyle.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a cervicogenic headache can mimic those of a migraine, making the diagnosis difficult. However, there are some differences, including:

  • Pain that only occurs on one side of your head or face
  • Headaches that are triggered by neck movement
  • Awkward head positions
  • Pressure on certain parts of the neck
  • Coughing

Diagnosis

Proper diagnosis starts with an experienced pain management doctor. The type of pain that you may have with cervicogenic headaches can be similar to the symptoms of several types of head or neck disorders. Accurately determining the correct source of your pain is critical to successful treatment.

  • Begins with a thorough clinical evaluation
  • Including a complete medical history, analysis of your symptoms, and physical examination
  • Testing may include x-rays, MRI and/or CT scans, and electro-diagnosis (EMG)
  • These advanced diagnostic techniques definitively pinpoint the source of pain
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